Met Sets Up Computer Hacking Probe

PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Scotland Yard is setting up a team of officers to investigate computer hacking, the force confirmed.

The Metropolitan Police said it is considering a number of breach of privacy allegations received since January.

The new team, to be formed under Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers, will investigate matters not covered by Operation Weeting, the force's phone hacking probe.

A spokeswoman said: "Operation Tuleta is currently considering a number of allegations regarding breach of privacy, received by the MPS since January 2011, which fall outside the remit of Operation Weeting, including computer hacking.

"Some aspects of this operation will move forward to a formal investigation. There will be a new team reporting to DAC Sue Akers. The formation of that team is yet to take place."

The Metropolitan Police described Operation Tuleta as a "consideration of allegations" dating back to January 2011 rather than an investigation.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said the operation has been looking into allegations of breach of privacy which fell outside the remit of Operation Weeting in that they were not related to phone hacking at the News of the World newspaper.

Operation Tuleta first came to public attention last June when Channel 4 News reported the codename in relation to a "scoping exercise" by the Metropolitan Police into the interception of emails and hacking into computer files.

The programme claimed that one alleged victim was a former undercover agent who infiltrated the IRA.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick responded by claiming officers were undertaking a "formal assessment" of the claims to determine whether a criminal investigation would be appropriate.